Fishing in Alaska is a favorite summertime pastime for residents and visitors alike. Even the casual angler can catch five different species of salmon or halibut that weigh 20 pounds or more. You can take a charter out on the deep sea to catch salmon and halibut, or you can cast for salmon on rivers and streams. Several regions in Alaska are popular fishing destinations.
Kenai Peninsula
The Kenai Peninsula in South Central Alaska may be one of the most popular fishing destinations in the state because it provides so many options. It is accessible by road from the population center of Anchorage. For deep-sea fishing, you can take half or full day charters out of the coastal towns of Homer and Seward. Depending on your package, you can catch halibut, or halibut and salmon combined. Charters generally run from May to August. They provide all of the guidance and equipment you need, and crews will clean and bag your catch.
If you prefer to stay closer to land, fish for salmon returning to spawn on Kenai's many lakes and rivers. With experience, you can do it on your own, but there are guide services that will take to you to the best places depending on the time of year. Some services provide all equipment, and they will assist you with cleaning and packing your fish. Popular destinations include the Russian River and Kenai River. Most people use reels, but in July you can also use a dip net to pull the salmon right out of the mouth of the river.
Valdez/Cordova
Valdez and Cordova are remote locations on Prince William Sound that offer their own beauty in combination with successful fishing. Valdez is accessible by road, but to reach Cordova you must take a boat or plane. You can take combination charters and cruises that explore the region, expose you to spectacular views of glaciers and wildlife, and give you many opportunities to fish for deep-sea halibut and salmon. These cruises can last up to a week, but you can also take day charters. Charter companies generally provide you with all of your equipment, and they will clean and bag your fish. Alternatively, you can fish for spawning salmon on local streams and rivers. With experience, you can do it on your own, or go with a local guide service.
Anchorage/Mat-Su Valley
The Anchorage area and the Mat-Su Valley are convenient places to fish because of their close proximity to Alaska's urban center. Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla are all within an hour's drive of some proven salmon fishing locations like Willow, Bird Creek and Eagle River. You can even cast a line within Anchorage city limits on Campbell Creek. If you want to venture farther into the wilderness, Anchorage can serve as a base camp. It is home to a number of guide services that will take you to more remote locations. Alternatively, stay at a lodge out in the sprawling Mat-Su region and combine it with a guided fishing package for salmon on inland streams.
Interior
The vast Interior region of Alaska draws visitors because of potential views of Mount McKinley and Denali National Park. The town of Talkeetna, Denali National Park and the surrounding areas are home to a number of tour companies that provide guided trips, usually in lodging combination packages. The Fairbanks area provides warmer weather than much of the state and offers many opportunities for catching salmon. Fairbanks-based guide companies will take you to the best fishing spots and provide your equipment if needed. The fishing season is short, from about June to August, but you can take advantage of the long days and the "midnight sun" of the far north.
Southeast
Southeast Alaska is the state's maritime region and has damp, mild weather compared to the rest of the state. It is a popular destination because of its mountains, glacier views and abundant wildlife. The main population centers are Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka, the local economies of which all rely heavily on tourism. You can take a charter for deep-sea halibut and salmon fishing, or go with a guide up local streams and rivers for spawning salmon. If you take a cruise up the "Inside Passage," some cruise companies will provide fishing packages at various stops.
Southwest
Southwest Alaska is a remote region that stretches from Kodiak Island out to the Aleutian Islands. You can only fish for salmon in this region if you have a connection with local residents or if you take a chartered flight. Several guide services fly out of Anchorage and other Southcentral Alaska locations, so you can fish from pristine waters like Bristol Bay and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
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